The Roman Quests: Escape from Rome

The Roman Quests: Escape from Rome follows siblings Juba and Fronto as they flee from Emperor Domitian's Rome in AD 94. Their uncle helps them escape the city with their mother and baby sister after their father is arrested for treason. The siblings must travel south through Italy, facing challenges and pursuers while trying to reach the port of Ostia. Their journey reveals details of Roman life, from the streets of the capital to rural areas and coastal towns. This historical adventure launches the Roman Quests series, combining action and authentic period elements for middle-grade readers. The narrative incorporates real locations, customs, and figures from ancient Rome. The story explores themes of family loyalty, courage under pressure, and the universal experience of children forced to grow up quickly in times of crisis. Through its young protagonists, the book offers a window into both the grandeur and dangers of the Roman Empire.

Readers consistently highlight the book's historical accuracy and educational value while maintaining an engaging pace for young readers ages 9-12. Parents and teachers note it works well as both entertainment and a teaching tool about ancient Rome. Likes: - Clear explanations of Roman customs and daily life - Strong female protagonist - Action-packed opening chapters - Detailed descriptions that bring ancient Rome to life - Works as a standalone story despite being part of a series Dislikes: - Some readers found the middle sections slower-paced - A few noted the violence may be intense for sensitive children - Roman terms and names can be confusing for some young readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (224 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (98 ratings) Amazon US: 4.5/5 (32 ratings) "Perfect blend of history and adventure" appears frequently in reviews, with teachers particularly recommending it for supporting Roman history curriculum units.

The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence This first book in the Roman Mysteries series follows young detective Flavia Gemina as she solves crimes in ancient Rome's port city during the reign of Emperor Titus.

The Eagle by Rosemary Sutcliff A young Roman commander travels beyond Hadrian's Wall to recover his father's lost legion standard and restore his family's honor in second-century Britain.

Gladiator by Simon Scarrow A boy in ancient Rome becomes a gladiator to seek revenge for his father's murder while navigating political intrigue in the time of Julius Caesar.

The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis Flavia Albia, the adopted daughter of a Roman investigator, takes up her father's profession to solve murders in ancient Rome during the reign of Domitian.

The Last Legion by Valerio Massimo Manfredi A band of Roman warriors protects the young Emperor Romulus Augustus during the fall of the Western Roman Empire while fleeing to Britain.

🏛️ Caroline Lawrence visited Rome countless times and even lived there while studying Roman archaeology, giving her firsthand knowledge of the locations in her books. ⚔️ The story takes place in AD 94 during the reign of Emperor Domitian, who was known for his paranoid and cruel behavior, making him the perfect antagonist for a tale of escape. 🎭 The author incorporates authentic Latin phrases throughout the book, helping young readers learn snippets of the language while enjoying the adventure. 🏺 The book's main characters flee to Ostia, Rome's ancient port city, which archaeologists have extensively excavated, allowing modern visitors to walk the same streets described in the story. 📚 This book is a spin-off series from Lawrence's popular "Roman Mysteries" series, which has been adapted into a BBC television series and has sold over a million copies worldwide.